School of Business Administration (SoBA) Gives Back to Community

On Saturday, May 21, UCR business students took part in a volunteer effort led by SoBA lecturer Sean Jasso to help rehabilitate substandard mobile housing as part of Habitat for Humanity Riverside’s Helping Hands program.

Sean Jasso, lecturer of management, says the goal of this volunteering effort was “to teach the spirit of volunteerism, enable leadership and service opportunities for future managers, and to continue to build the UCR brand in the community.”

“Participating with UCR students, Dr. Jasso, business owners, and the Habitat regulars was one of those experiences that has left me hungry for more. Pride and confidence was built, as well as camaraderie and friendships while we strengthened the UCR brand. I feel good about doing good for someone else for the sheer reward of making others’ lives a little better.”

- Charlee Forrest, senior undergraduate business student

“The quantity and quality of work provided at the end of the day was outstanding and opened my eyes as to what can be accomplished in team environments. The specific team I was a part of managed to paint a whole mobile home while using the extra time to help the owner in her garden. The truly rewarding and gratifying aspect of the experience was witnessing the joy and appreciation from the home owner. She was truly grateful which made me feel better about myself knowing that we had made a difference for the better in someone's life.” 

- Chad Tito, undergraduate business student 

“I found the Habitat for Humanity event was definitely an experience that I enjoyed. I have always thought of painting and landscaping as a chore, but I found out that when you are doing for people who cannot possibly do for themselves, it becomes an extremely rewarding experience. The happy faces who greeted us with smiles and appreciation for the work we did make me want to come back and do more. I hope to be able to find an organization back home like Habitat for Humanity after I graduate so that I can continue providing services to people who are in need of them. Thank you very much, Professor Jasso, for the opportunity to live strong.”

- Shawn Baker, senior undergraduate business student

“Having the opportunity to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity has really helped open my eyes and has made me realize the importance of taking the time to slow down and appreciate what we have and what we can contribute to those who aren't so fortunate. Habitat for Humanity and I share a similar guiding value – take the time to help others in need in any way possible. The emotional, mental, and visual payoff associated with our volunteer efforts was well worth the time invested and I am thankful for the opportunity and experience.”

- Justin White, junior undergraduate business student

“Working with Habitat for Humanity has opened my eyes to the needs of the individuals here in our local community. Being able to assist someone in need has allowed me to discover a new form of happiness which comes from giving back to others. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and I am looking forward to working with this organization in the future as a UCR alumna.”

- Malory Smith, senior undergraduate business

student

“It was a wonderful experience to be able to get the opportunity to help out local area residents and see the improvements happen through many hard working hands. It was extremely meaningful to those home owners who we provided assistance to, and they were all so appreciative. I would highly recommend the experience to everyone, especially if UCR students haven't had the ability or chance to volunteer in the past. I could feel the UCR brand growing stronger within our community right before my eyes.”

- Blake Coffin, president-elect, MBA Student Association

“If one looks back, many of these senior citizens have contributed to our society, no matter how big or how small.  Some have been mentors, teachers, military service personnel, and so much more. They helped lay the foundation so that we may live better lives. Giving of my time and energy is the joy of knowing that someone's life has been made a little easier. I know that helping people gives me a lot of pleasure as well as self-respect as a person, but more importantly, it allows me to connect to the good we share as people, and to realize that someone else will find joy in a little token of kindness.”

- Maurice Allen, senior undergraduate business student